Seamless dipped latex girdle



Oct. 17, 1944. A. N. SPANEL SEAMLESS DIPFED LATEX GIRDLE Filed June 26, 1940 5 .SheetS -Sheet 1 1NVENTR. 15 ABRAHAMMJP/M/EL.

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A TORNEYS Oct. 17, 1944. A. N. SPANEL SEAMLESS DIPPED-LATEX GIRDLE Filed June 26, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 ABRAHAM NJPA/VEL. M, a 1 1* M T ORNEY-S Oct. 17, 1944. A. N. SPANEL 2,360,736

SEAMLESS DIPPED LATEX GIRDLE Filed June 26, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR.

A B/iHAM/VJP/l/VEL.

Oct 17, 1944.

A. N. SPANEL I 2,360,736 SEAMLESS DIPPED LATEX GIRDLE 4 Filed June 26, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 wml|m 59' INVENTOR, Y A BR/lHfl/WN JPANEL.

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77ATTORNEY5 Oct. 17, 1944. A. N. SPANEL I SEAMLESS DIPPED LATEX GIRDLE Filed June 26, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. ABRAHAM NJPANEL.

ATTORNEYS Patented Oct. 17, 1944 UNITED STATES. PATENT OFFICE SEAMLESS DIPPED LATEX GIRDLE Abraham N. Spanel, New York, N. Y.

Application June 26, 1940, Serial No. 342,426

6 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in girdles or foundation garments and relates more particularly to garments of the type which produce a natural slimming effect on the wearer. The problem of providing effective slimming garments has existed from the dawn of history. In the most primitive form, bandages were tightly wrapped around the waist. This was displaced in turn by the stiffened corset worn'both over and under the clothes, culminating in the complicated stays" stiffened with whalebone and laced tightly to produce a small waist effect which was current in the Victorian era. With such garments the figure was forced into the shape of the corset which, while providing body support, was relatively inflexible, cumbersome, unhygienic, and indeed, definitely injurious to the wearer through the displacement of body organs. With the turn of the century, and the increasing participation by women in business and active sports, such stiff corsets were modified and ultimately completely discarded as a desirable garment for women.

For the past decade or so, the so-called girdle" has come into use, which is generally made of elastic textile fabric or panels of diverse material, such as elastic fabric, textile fabrics, and the like. This garment was adapted to serve as a support for the loose or excess flesh of the wearer, especially in the region of the lower part of the torso, and tended to improve body contourof the wearer by supporting these portions and usually without stifliy boning or otherwise stifl'ening the girdle or foundation garment. One-piece girdles made of stretchable knitted fabric, or elastic covered with silk or cotton, are known as one-way or two-way stretch girdles, and are often woven on a circular knitting machine. While this type of girdle has given considerable satisfaction in use, it, however, 'takesa relatively long time to wash and especially to dry, so that the wearer is often required to own at least two of these girdles in order to keep one in clean condition. Also they tend to leave welts, ridges, cross markings or other markings on the skin corresponding to the ridges and depressions in the textile fabric of which the girdle is made. They are relatively expensive and also tend to lose their shape and elasticity rather rapidly, especially if washed often. Girdles built up of panels of sheet rubber and textile fabrics, or elastic fabric and textile fabric, such as satin and the like, suffer from similar disadvantages and also tend to be pulled out of shape by continued use, until they rapidly lose their desired slimming effect.

The present invention provides a girdle which 55 obviates or minimizes the defects of the girdles at present in use, and at the same time it presents novel advantages in addition to being relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture and easy to clean for immediate reuse.

The supporting girdle in accordance with the present invention is preferably in the form of a hollow latex sheath which is stretchable to enclose the lower torso of the wearer when pulled over the body. When pulled into position on the body, the loose, flabby, excess flesh or fat of the wearer is supported, constricted, pushed, or molded generally inwardly, thereby giving the wearer the smoothness of line and contour which is so much desired. This sheath is in fact so flexible that, even by touch, it is not easily revealed that the user is wearing a figure-control garment. Indeed, it is as though the wearer had an additional skin of her own, firm and supporting in character, yet non-revealing by its very nature. The invention therefore provides a supporting girdle, in which the material of the girdle is of suflicient thickness to constitute a firm support for the flesh of the wearer. The invention further provides improvements applicable to such supporting girdles as well as to other girdles. One of these consists in forming the crotch of the garment, whether made of latex or of rubber, with perforations, as well as forming the crotch integrally with the walls of the girdle. The invention also provides a relatively long crotch which has valuable functions as hereinafter described. The invention further resides in improvements in the reinforcement of the girdle;

- in the provision of garter supports; and in the functional utility of the girdle. I

In the preferred forms of the invention, the girdle is made of so-called deposited liquid latex; that is to say, a film which is produced in the shape of the article by dipping a form into liquid latex; or the film is otherwise deposited directly from liquid latex, as contrasted with. ordinary crude rubber, which is produced by dehydrating liquid latex to form crude rubber; then masticating the crude rubber, and thereafter forming the article therefrom. For purposes of clarity, the liquid latex film of rubber will be referred to hereafter as latex." The invention also contemplates that the outer surface of the girdle in accordance with the invention shall be formed as a smooth surface with substantially no obstructions thereon, whereby there isa smooth sliding contact between the surface of this girdle and the fabric garment that is worn immediately over In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings inwhichseveral embodiments of the invention are illustrated, it being under- Figure 1, on an enlarged scale;

Fig. 4 is a rear view of the girdle shown in Figure 1;

Fig. 5 is a plan view similar to Figure 1, showing a modification in which the so-called crotch is omitted, and in which garter members are formed integral with the girdle;

Fig. 6 is a plan view showing a modification in which garter members are formed integral with the girdle of the type shown in Figures 1 to 4;

1.; Fig. 6a shows a detail of the garter of Fig. 6;

Figs. 7 and 8 show girdles similar to that of Figures 1 to 4, but provided with small perforations;

Fig. 9 is a transverse cross section through the median portions of any of the girdles herein shown, but on an enlarged scale, showing the cross-sectional shape of the girdle as it is when in position upon the form on which it is made;

Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic cross section taken through a girdle and the lower part of the torso of the wearer, to illustrate the stresses set up in the use of the girdle;

11 is an enlarged detail illustrating the integral reinforcement at the top of the girdle in cross section:

Fig. 12 illustrates on an enlarged scale the cross section of a lower marginal edge reinforcement and the cross section of the adjacent surfaces of the form upon which the reinforcement is generated;

Figs. 13, 14 and 15 illustrate in front, side cross section and rear elevations respectively, 9, preferred embodiment of the form used for making the girdle of Figures 1 to 4 by the dipping process;

Fig. 16 is a diatic cross section on an enlarged scale, taken through a portion of the perforated latex material of a girdle having a roughened inside surface in contact with the skin of the wearer;

Figs. 17 and 18 are front and rear elevations respectively, showing forms for the manufacture of latex girdles with integral garter members made in the dipping process; and

Figs. 19 and 20 are views similar to Figs. 17 and 18 but illustrating a modifled form for producing latex girdles with integral garter members.

Referring to Figure 1, the supporting girdle or form-fitting garment in accordance with the invention comprises a sheath-like member i, having oppositely disposed contoured areas 2 and 3 of limited width extending longitudinally of the sheath-like -member (see Fig. 2) and longitudinally extending planular areas 4 and 5 of considerably greater width than saidpontoured areas and longitudinallyv contiguous therewith.

Referring more particularly to Figs. 2 and 9, it will be noted that the contoured areas 2 and 3 are of curved shape in cross section, and constitute symmetrical si e portions which connect the aforesaid planular areas 4 and 5t0gether. These contoured areas and the portions of the planular areas contiguous therewith constitute the sides of the girdle covering the sides of the wearer when in use, while the main central portion of the planular area 4 constitutes the front of the girdle, and the planular area 5 constitutes the back of the girdle. It will be noted from the drawings that the girdle conforms to the contour of the torso only to a certain limited extent at the symmetrical side portions thereof, constituted by the contoured areas 2 and 3, but that the hollow sheath-like girdle is stretchable as a whole to enclose the body of the wearer thereof.

Referring to Fig. 10, which shows in cross section a girdle in use in position over the lower portion of a torso, it will be noted that its substantially flat front and back planular areas 4 and 5 are stretched to a very substantial extent and' constitute front and rear constricting members which exert the desiredpressure upon the front and back portions of the wearer's body. The symmetrical side portions which include the contoured areas I and 3 are stretched (but to a lesser extent) against the right and left sides of the body of the wearer.

It will be noted from the above description and the drawings, that the girdle may be said to be in the form of a flattened cone-like truncated body or sheath adapted to stretch in all directions, and to form a snugly flttlng retaining skin which is worn over the skin of the wearer, and is suiflciently pliable to permit of free movement of the body. As may be seen by Fig. 10, the greatest stretch occurs over the planular areas 4 and 5, respectively, rather than at the symmetrical side areas 2 and 3. These flat constricting areas 4 and 5 tend to pull strongly inwardly 40 in th direction of the arrows a, and because of the all-way stretchable nature of the material, this pull, which is resisted at the sides and hips, tends to be transmitted to the soft, flabby, fleshy portions of the body where it can exert the desired constricting or slimming effect.

The shape imparted to the girdle by the form on which it is made can be seen from Fig. 9 which illustrates the girdle in position before it has been stripped from the form.

In accordance with the invention, I may provide a crotch portion of latex material.

Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the lower edge of the girdle is provided with a connecting crotch portion consisting of a, U-shaped member 6, comprised by a front wall 1, rear wall I, and contoured area 9 of curved formation as shown more particularly in Fig. 3. This crotch extends from the lower portion of the front planular area 4 and rear planular area 5, and is preferably integral therewith, and forms a continuation of the surfaces of said planular areas. On either side of the crotch, the lower border of the girdle has two curvilinear marginal portions II and II (Fig.

1) shaped to permit freedom of movement of the frontportions of the legs of the wearer. The rear planular area terminates in skirt portions l2 and I 3 extending laterally from the rear wall I of the crotch to the lower ends of the side portions 2, 3; these skirt portions l2, I! at the back of the girdle extend below the curvilinear marginal portions l0, H on the front of the garment, so that these skirt portions I2, I! constitute constricting wall portion members which encase, support and constrict the buttocks of the wearer. Attention is particularly drawn to the fact that, owing to the and 4).

provision of an excess of material produced by the contoured portion 9 of the crotch, a relatively long crotch is provided. This in turn permits the constrictive skirt portions l2 and I3 of the back of the garment to fit considerably further down, around and under the lower portions of the buttocks, and act as a supporting or constrictive retainer wall for these portions. This could not be accomplished, if the corresponding portion of a girdle had a shorter crotch, without making the garment uncomfortable to wear. There is also a sufficiency of material in the crotch, and especially in the provision of the excess material in the form of the curved front portion 1, to permit of comfort in using the garment in the performance of bodily functions, without removing the girdle, as the crotch can readily be stretched and thus pulled out of its normal position for these purposes. This excess of material, forming a long crotch in relation to the periphery of the rear margin of the girdle, also has another very definite function, since in this stated relation, it enables the user to pull the girdle up to a maximum high point on the body, hitherto not generally possible. The front wall I of the crotch is considerably longer than the rear wall 8 which connects with the skirt portions I2 and I3 of the back. The formation of the crotch and the excess material contained therein permits of the insertion of a sanitary napkin and does away with the necessity for a sanitary belt, while the material of the crotch makes the wearing of a sanitary protective apron unnecessary.

Ventilating perforations [4 may be provided in the crotch which extend upward beyond the areas of the crotch into both the front and back ofthe garment. These p rforations may be arranged in rows, and a larger number is preferably provided at the point wher these perforations extend to the planular areas 4, 5 as shown at 5 (Figs. 1 The top marginal edges 16 and II are curved from the lateral edges 2 and 3 inwardly, the purpose of this curvature being to help prevent rolling of the girdle from the top downward. It will also be observed that the front top edge I! is somewhat lower than the top edge 16 of the back. The purpose of this is to allow somewhat more material in the back edgefor stretching, in order to facilitate the putting on of the girdle, the rear part of which must pass over the buttocks when being pulled on and off.

All the marginal edges of the girdle are preferably reinforced, and in the embodiments herein shown and illustrated, these reinforcements are integrally formed with the body of the girdle. Referring to Fig. 11, the upper margin of the garment is formed with a reinforcement l6l| in the form of a reinforced area or member which is somewhat pear-shaped in cross section. This reinforcement has the general character and is made in the same manner as described and illustrated in my prior U. S. Patent No. 2,086,481.

The reinforcement at the top of the girdle is preferably considerably stronger than the reinforcements I8 at the marginal edges of the lower portion of the garment, in view of the fact that the main pull in putting the garment on and taking it off, is at the top of the garment. The reinforcement at the top also serves to help prevent the top from rolling down in use. The reinforcing edges at the lower portion of the garment and around the crotch are illustrated in cross section in Fig. 12, and are preferably similar to those described and illustrated in my prior U. S. Patents Nos. 2,015,632 and 2,086,481 and may be made in the sam way. It will be noted that all the reinforcements of the girdle hereinafter described are located on the outside of the girdle, which is of particular importance in connection with the supporting and constrictive girdle of the present invention, inasmuch as the reinforcements do not press into the skin of the wearer to produce ridges or welts thereon, nor do they chafe or irritate the skin. The top reinforcement not only serves to hold the garment in position but also protects it against tearing at the margin in the same manner as the reinforcements 18 at the lower portion of the garment. The girdle illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4 may obviously form part of a foundation garment provided with a brassier in well-known manner; furthermore, the expression girdle, as herein referred to, is intended to include any such garment as a corset, pantygirdle, foundation garment, or the like.

In the form of the invention illustrated in Fig. 5, the crotch is omitted and the lower rear portion l9 of the garment is in the form of a skirt extending somewhat below the lower front margin of the garment. This modification is formed with garter strap members here shown in the form of integral tabs or ribbons 20, 2| at the back and front thereof for the attachment of suitable garters. These garter strap members 20, 2| are adapted to be gripped by suitable metal 1 members, to which the garters are attached in well known manner.

Figure 6 illustrates a further modification in which the girdle is substantially similar to that 1 illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3, but there are attached to the lower marginal portions of the girdle the garter members 22 and 22a. These garter members 22, 22a, consisting of ribbonlike extensions of the latex material of the girdle, are integral with the walls of the girdle, extend therefrom in curve-like manner on the left and rightof each ribbon and have their surfaces preferably continuous with those of the walls of the girdle. Curved-corners 23 are provided at the points where the garter members extend from the margins of the girdle proper. The aforesaid ribbon-like garter members 22, 22a may also be reinforced at their edges, the reinforcements constituting a continuation of the marginal reinforcements of the lower portion of the girdle as illustrated in Fig. 12. Any suitable means may be employed to attach the gripping part of the garters to these stretchable ribbon-like portions. Fig. 6a shows a manner of attachment in which a gripping member 68 is attached to the garment.

The girdles shown in Figs. 7 and 8, have very small openings 40, perforated through the material of the girdles. Such girdles are especially adapted for use under conditions where excess perspiration is apt to be generated, e. g., for sports or for summer wear. These perforations 40 may extend either over the entire back and front area of the girdle, or may be omitted from certain portions, e. g., the contoured side portions 2, 3 and crotch of the garment, as shown in Fig. 7. In general, the perforated area conforms in contour to the outline of the girdle itself. The last row 4| of the perforations at the lower part of the girdle are separated from the lower marginal edge of the girdle by a marginal portion 42, while a marginal portion 43 separates the perforated center portion of the girdle from the larger perforations IS in the crotch portion 6. The skirt portions of the girdle which cover the buttocks are also provided with contoured fields of perforations which in the examples shown in Figs. 7 and 8 conform in shape with the curved edges 18 of the lower portion of the girdle. These perforations 40 may be described as pin-point perforations, and in practice each hole may be of a diameter of between 4 and 20 thousandths of an inch. They are preferably sufllciently small that, as a practical proposition, the wearer cannot push a finger nail through the perforations in the act of pulling of the girdle onto the body. Also perforations of sizes within this range are inherently too small to admit or cause formation of welts on. the skin of the constricted flesh. Thus, there is eliminated the possibility of accidental tearing which might occur were the perforations large enough to admit a finger nail.

In Fig. 8, minute perforations 40 are employed similar to those shown in Fig. '7, but the crotch itself carries a field of small perforations 44 which correspond in position with the marginal contour of the crotch. These small perforations or pin-point openings are analogous, to a certain extent, with the pores of the skin, and permit of a certain amount of breathing of the skin through the girdle. These small perforations are preferably spaced about inch away from one another, although of course they may be either closer together or farther apart. All perforating is preferably done by a perforating machine after the girdle has been deposited and removed from the form and preferably after it has been vulcanized. i

One of the advantages of employing latex material in forming the walls of the girdle, is that this material does not greatly interfere with the passage of sensations to the body; therefore the wearer is conscious of the sensations of touch and other sensations through the walls of the girdle. Such sensations cannot generally be transmitted through the walls of the material in the so-called elastic textile girdles or heavy rubber girdles used for constricting the body.

'I'he girdles according to the invention here shown are one-piece garments having an all-way stretch, in contrast with prior one-piece or composite girdles having one-way or two-way stretch. The girdle is seamless and has a continuous inner surface which is contiguous to the skin of the wearer so that in use a unitary surface is always presented against the body with no ridges or seams sticking into the skin. The appendant portions of the girdle, e. g., the crotch, garter tabs, etc., are preferably integral with and form continuous surfaces with the surfaces of the girdle, while the reinforcing at the top and bottom edges is such as to form a beveled continuation of the outer surface and does not form objectionable ridges which would be uncomfortable and even visible through the wearers clothing.

According to the invention the preferred forms shown herein are made of liquid latex, a water dispersion of rubber or the like, that is to say, the article is made of liquid latex deposited on a form, e. g., by dipping the form into liquid latex under proper conditions to deposit a suitable film thereon. This deposited film is then dried on the form, and again dipped into the liquid latex, and so on successively, until the desired thickness, as hereinafter described, has been built up. There may be incorporated in the liquid latex suitable vulcanizing materials; thus the article after being formed may be vulcanized, e. g., by dipping the forms in a heated fluid or by subjecting the forms to the action of steam. The dipping may be accomplished by any known method, e. g., the method described in U. S. Patent No. 2,015,648 or by the acidcoagulation method or through the use of prevulcanized liquid latex, etc., etc.

The form for making the supporting girdle as shown in Figs. 1 t0 4 is illustrated in Figs. 13, 14 and 15. The form 50 is provided with hooklike form supporting members 5| projecting from the top of the form. Fig. 13 illustrates that face of the form upon which is generated the front of the girdle. It will be noted that bosse constituting slightly elevated surfaces 52, 52, project abruptly outward from the main form generating surface 50. These bosses, which define the reinforced marginal edges of both the lower front portion of the girdle and the front face of the crotch I, are provided with substantially perpendicular walls 56 joining the surfaces 52 with the surface 50 of the form. As will be seen from Figs. 12 and 14 the contoured wall portion 56 is provided with a. sharp outside corner or edge 51 at its junction with the elevated surface of the boss 52; also there is a sharp, substantially right angle, inside corner 58 provided where the wall 55 projects outward from the main surface of the form 50. Fig. 15 shows the rear generating surface of the form 50, provided with bosses 53, 53, projecting abruptly outwards therefrom, for defining the rear skirt and crotch portions. As will be noted from Fig. 14, the contoured walls 59 form a continuation of the walls 56 and project abruptly outwards in like manner terminating in a sharp outer edge 60. The functional purpose of the above described construction for forming the reinforced edges of the type shown in Fig. 12 is clearly set forth in my U. S. Patents Nos. 2,015,632 and 2,086,481 and therefore will not be dealt with here.

Referring once more to Figs. 13, 14 and 15, it will be noted that the lower portion of the main garment generating surfaces of the form 50 terminate abruptly in the sharp contoured line edges 54 and 55 which join one another at the sides of the form. These abrupt edges serve to form the reinforced upper marginal edges of the girdle, as shown in Fig. 11. The method by which this type of reinforced edge i formed, is fully described in my U. S. Patents Nos. 2,015,632 and 2,086;481.

Figs. 17-20 show modified front and back portions of the forms upon which a garter supporting girdle may be formed as shown in Fig. 6. Since the lower part of the forms, upon which the upper portion of the garment is generated, are all identical with that of the form of Figs. 13, 14 and 15, and since the only difference between the forms pertains to a modification of the upper bosses, these alone will be described. As will be seen in Fig. 17, the front generating surface of the form 6| is provided at its upper portion with two elevated and contoured boss members 62, 62, which closely resemble those of Fig. 13, except that the bosses 62 have elongated, ribbon-like channels 63 extending upwards therein, which constitute an integral continuation of the garment generating surface 6!, and which serve to form the garter tabs 22a of Fig. 6. The tabs 22, integral with the rear skirt portion of the girdle, are formed by similar upwardly projecting channels 65, 65, Fig. 18, cut through the elevated surface of the boss members 66. Due to the limited depth of the members 66, as contrasted with the relative length ofthe tab 22 of Fig. 6, it is necessary either to extend the bosses upwards in the form of lugs as shown in Figs. 17 and 18, or to carry the ribbon-like channels, for the tabs 22, u around over and downward (Figs. 20 and 19). That is to say, in order to form a long enough skirt-portion tab 22 without resorting to extending lugs, each tab forming recess 65a which is a continuation of the garment generating surface 6la, extends upward through the extent of the rear boss and then over across and down into the front bosses 62a of Fig. 19. It is to be understood that if integral reinforcements, such as that of Fig. 12, are desired on all the lower marginal edges of the girdle of Fig.6, it is necessary that all the outwardly projecting wall portions of the bosses be constructed in accordance with the description thereof pertaining to Figs. 13-15, and as shown by Fig. 12.

The dipping process and the further steps in the process of manufacture will be understood by those skilled in the art, and follows along the general lines of the patents already listed above.

The improved hollow liquid latex girdle presents the advantage that because the latex material in the finished girdle absorbs a certain amount of moisture, the girdle doe not become inordinately hot to wear, owing to the fact that as a result of this mentioned absorption of body moisture. a measure of evaporation can take place which keeps the girdle from becoming uncomfortable, notwithstanding the fact that it is worn directly against the skin and in supporting or constricting relation thereto. These water absorption and evaporation properties of latex, which make for comfort in wearing the improved girdle, are not characteristic of girdles made of ordinary masticated crude rubber, even assuming for purposes of comparison that both girdles would have the same dry rubber content percentage.

The tensile strength of the improved liquid latex girdle in accordance with this invention, as compared with the tensile strength of a girdle made from ordinary masticated crude rubber, and of comparable thickness and dry rubber content, is much greater, so that a much firmer constricting efiect is obtained gauge for gauge from the liquid latex girdle. As a result, the liquid latex girdle in accordance with the invention can be made considerably lighter in weight and considerably more flexible than an ordinary crude rubber girdle doing the same work.

The ageing qualities of the improved liquid latex girdle are much superior and very marked as compared with a girdle made of ordinary or masticated crude rubber of comparable thickness and dry rubber content, particularly in the presence of perspiration, and accompanying body fat which exudes to the surface of the skin, and at the body temperature of the wearer. Furthermore, by making the girdle of dipped liquid latex on a form, no seams are present, and the absence of such seams is very important in a constricting garment of this kind, because such seams tend to open up in the presence of perspiration. Moreover, it is generally necessary to reinforce such seams, which reinforcements in turn may tend to press in on the skin, causing chafing irritation, and markings thereon.

The liquid latex material constituting the walls of the girdle is considerably thicker than has been heretofore usually employed in the manufacturo of garments from liquid latex, e. g., baby pants, bib". or sheets. The liquid latex employed is preferably about "/1000 of one inch thick, although good results can be obtained with thicknesses of latex mater al in the neighborhood of about /lOOll to /1000 of one inch. So long as the thickness of the latex walls of the girdle lies substantially within these ranges, the girdle itself will be strong enough to supportingly hold in the muscles and loose flesh of the body of the wearer to the desired extent, and will be sufficiently flexible to be pulled on and off and to adapt itself to the movements of the body without inordinately resisting such movements. Generally speaking, the walls of the girdle of the invention are about twice as thick as the latex material used, say, for latex baby pants, where the purpose is not to constrict or support the babys flesh in any way, but merely to prevent moisture from the cloth diaper enclosed by the pants from soaking through the latex film constituting the pants. A further advantage which results from the use of a girdle, the walls of which have a thickness in the above neighborhood, is the fact that the tendency of body perspiration and fat secretions to destroy the latex material is resisted for all practical purposes.

The seamless hollow, dipped, latex girdle of the invention possesses the characteristic of being stretchable in every direction in any given square centimeter of area. This is very important, because it lends to the girdle the novel property of being able to mold the body at any given point in a more evenly distributed manner than any girdles now on the market, for these have only a one-way stretch or at most a twoway stretch, as a result of which their constricting effect is not evenly distributed. This usually results in an awkward and uneven distribution of the flesh, often producing discomfort to the wearer and thus defeating the pm'pose for which a girdle is worn.

A further advantage of the all-way stretchability of the material resides in the girdles adaptability to infinite variations in the shapes of the various wearers, thus enabling only a relatively small number of different size models to fit most of the sizes of the female body for which there is a demand. This is in contract .with the usual type of girdle now on the market where, owing to the limited stretchability of the elastic fabric or the like of which they are made, a large number of model sizes are necessary. Because of the all-way stretch characteristic of the present girdle, it has been found on careful experimentation, that one size, properly proportioned, will fit three or four of the usual different sizes of women, such as would require three or four different sizes of girdles made of one-way or two-way stretch material. This presents great advantages in merchandising, since it is not necessary for the retailer to carry so many sizes in stock. It is also a great advantage in reducing the cost, of manufacture, since only a relatively few sizes need be manufactured. Furthermore, due to the all-way stretch of this material, as compared with the usual type of girdle having only a one-way or two-way stretch, which tends to force the body to take up the lines of the girdle rather than the lines of the body, the girdle of the present invention does not hold out the promise of new lines for the wearer, a promise that cannot be dependably fulfilled, but rather gives her her own lines slimmed down and properly firmed.

Moreover, whereas conventional girdles are worn mostly by women who are either fat, heavy, or stout, the present girdle goes considerably beyond the mere function of providing support for such persons; for in addition to this, it also Furthermore, in accordance with the invention,

the hollow, dipped, liquid latex girdle presents an extremely smooth outer surface which, when the girdle is stretched over the body of the wearer, provides a smoothness of surface which results in a smooth sliding contact between this outer surface of the girdle and the fabric garment that is worn immediately over it. As a result, the garment worn above the girdle does not tend to "ride up and over the girdle, as it can slide freely thereon. This smooth outer surface also gives the girdle a very attractive appearance.

Moreover, according to the invention, the inside surface of the latex walls of the girdle preferably has a less smooth texture than the outside, which texture, being of a more matted" character, tends to produce a better feel to the skin and better moisture absorbent qualities.

It is desired to produce a very decided difference of texture between the inside surface of the girdle and the outer surface thereof, and the invention also contemplates a girdle made from liquid latex having a smooth outer surface and a roughened inner surface next to the skin. This roughened inner surface of the girdle may be produced by roughening the surface of the form on which the girdle is generated. The form may be either sand-blasted, etched, or given a rough surface in any suitable manner; e. g., it might be made of unglazed porcelain. When wearing a latex or rubber garment next to the skin, women claim that such articles seem to be hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Many of these complaints are born of sheer prejudice, in which the sense of touch seems to play a very important part. Thus, a smooth surface seems to give the impression on touch that the product will either be hot; or on a cold day, that it will be cold to the wearer, a point on which women seem to be very sensitive. Moreover, when made with an inner surface that is roughened as described above, the latex absorbs more body moisture because the absorbing surface in contact with the body is greater in area than a corresponding smooth surface. Also there seems'to be a direct relationship between the condition of the surface of the girdle in contact with the body and the surface tension of the body moisture, that accumulates between this surface and the skin, thus the amount of moisture absorbed is greater for a given area in a given time if the inner latex surface is roughened.

Improved advantages are obtainable by the use of a girdle having the small perforations illustrated in .the embodiments of Figs. 7 or 8, combined with latex material having a roughened inner surface. A small portion of the wall of a girdle made of this material is illustrated in Fig. 16. It is to be understood that-any of the girdles illustrated in the drawings may be made of this latex material, which provides for a very considerable absorption of body moisture, due to an unimpeded flow of moisture towards the small apertures 40, which flow is accelerated by the roughened inner surface 45, that may be described as connecting-cellular. The best results for absorption of and dissipation of body moisture are therefore to be found in the girdles ofthe type illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8, in comhelps to firm a relatively lean body grown flabby At the same time it ened inner surface as shown in Fig. 16. Such girdles with the roughened inner surfaces are preferably formed by dipping the girdle on a 'form, the'outer surface of which is sand-blasted,

and the perforations are made at a later stage of the process of manufacture (after the girdle has been stlpped ofl th form) by, means of a suitable perforating die. These advantages resulting from the use of a roughened inner surface of the latex material, will be present irrespective of whether the girdle is made seamless or otherwise. The roughened inner surface of the latex girdle also provides the advantage that it tends to prevent the girdle from riding up on the skin of the wearer.

It is further to be noted that the girdle in accordance with the invention can be readily washed after use, and dried by means of patting with a towel, so that it is very easy to keep the girdle clean, and the drying takes place so rapidly that the girdle can be worn almost immediately after it has been dried off. This advantage is of considerable importance when contrasted with the type of girdle now commonly in use, employing elastic or textile materials in which considerable time is required for drying. The nature of the latex film employed herein is such that it can be washed frequently, even in hot water, without substantially deteriorating its so desired properties,

While the invention has been described herein with reference to a number of preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the inven- 40 purposes of illustration, and not necessarily the actual dimensions employed in practice.

I claim:

1. An integral one-piece supporting girdle formed of deposited latex sheet material of a strength and shape throughout to apply constrictive force to the flesh around the lower torso of the wearer, the external surfaces of said sheet material being smooth and the inside surfaces thereof being of a slightly roughened matted character for contact with the skin of the wearer.

2. An integral one-piece supporting girdle formed of deposited latex sheet material of a strength and shape throughout to apply constrictive force to the flesh around the lower torso of the wearer, the internal surfaces of said sheet material being of a matted character and such as to provide in contact with the skin an interconnected cellular formation.

3. As an article of manufacture, a one-piece deposited latex supporting girdle formed of constricting walls, comprising a constricting front portion and a constricting back portion each formed as normally flat areas the sides of which substantially conform to the outlines of the lower female torso as viewed from the front or back, and narrow areas extending along each side of the girdle, said latter areas being formed with a smoothly curved outwardly convex substantially uniform cross section and serving to integrally join the corresponding sides of said front and back portions and smoothly merging therewith, a readily stretchable narrow crotch area of the deposited latex, extending as a continuous and integral connection between the lower central bination with the latex material having a roughregions of said front andback portions, the edges of the front of said crotch area extending upwardly and gradually outwardly to merge with and form the lower edges of the middle front portion of the girdle from whence said edges continue outwardly and downwardly to the region of said side areas of the girdle, thereby forming curvilinear cut-out areas at each side of the lower middle front portion, the upper margins of said cut-out areas substantially conforming with the line of juncture 'of the upper thighs and body of the wearer and said cut-out areas also increasing the effective length of said stretchable crotch area, said crotch area also being shaped and of a length to extend down substantially below the lower margin of the back portion when the girdle is in flat position.

4. An integral one-piece supporting girdle formed of deposited latex sheet material of a strength and shape throughout to apply constrictive force to the flesh around the lower torso of the wearer, and a plurality of garter tabs forming integral continuations of the same layer of sheet material and projecting downwardly from the lower marginal edges of the girdle, the side edges of said tabs extending upwardly and gradually outwardly along smooth curves merging into said marginal edges at the areas of juncture of the tabs and the lower edges of the girdle, whereby the downward tensions applied to each tab will be widely distributed over the lower marginal areas of the girdle -without abrupt differences of tension in the girdle areas from place to place.

5. An integral one-piece supporting girdle formed of deposited latex sheet material of a strength and shape throughout to apply generally uniform constrictive force to the flesh around the lower torso of the wearer, and a plurality of garter tabs projecting downwardly from and integrally formed as a part of the same layer of sheet material withthe lower marginal edges, the side edges of said tabs extending upwardly and gradually outwardly along smooth curves merging into said marginal edges at the areas'of juncture of the tabs therewith, whereby the downward tensions applied to each tab will be widely distributed over the lower marginal areas of the girdle without abrupt difierences of tension in the girdle areas from place to place, said marginal edges and tab side edges which merge therewith being formed with a reenforcement of substantially uniform cross section comprising thickening of the latex at said edges.

6. An integral one-piece supporting girdle formed of deposited latex of a strength and shape throughout to apply generally uniform constrictive force to the flesh around the lower torso of the wearer, the front and back areas being formed with pin-point perforations distributed thereover, and the inside surfaces of the latex being of a slightly roughened matted character.

ABRAHAM N. sPANEL. 

